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This can help put David and you on the same side in the battle against the "uglies". Questions like "can you think of a time when you have beat the "uglies" David? How did you do it? or how do you know when the "uglies" are coming? What can you do to stop them? "David may enjoy the imagery of conquering the "uglies" and this can give David a sense of control over the behavior.
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TIP: Acknowledge his feelings. This aligns you with David and sets the stage for him to begin to work through his own problems.
David: "Dad, can I get this Power Ranger?"Dad: "No, David I am not buying toys today."
David: Eyebrows coming closer together and lip starting to pucker. "But it is the last one I need and I will have them all."
Dad: "Not today David."
David, Screaming and crying. "You never get me anything I ask for. You don't love me."Dad, Acknowledging David's feelings. "You must feel really sad about not being able to get the Power Ranger. I know I sometimes feel bad when I can't get what I want."
David, Sniffling. "Yea, I really want it."
Dad: "Tell you what. (Taking pen and paper out of planner) I will write this down as 'things David wants.'"
